A.) Considering the function of translation it is both because I think that to convey information with the help of knowledge that we know about that language determines how we are good at our work or product. The background, social and cultural competence, linguistic knowledge, structures, language skills are need to for adequate and productive translation. In other words, it needs some ability to give adequate and quality production. In addition, when I think about process translation takes time to do a good job. The translation may need several drafts to be valuable and elaborate work, so the process may take time.
B.) I think translation is a process which requires elaborate, detailed and extensive work or ability. Also it is the best attendant to convey information with the help of linguistic and cultural knowledge. It requires theoretical knowledge and ability to choosing best word and structure choice to explain and sharing what it means in a different language. This challenging task may be enjoyable if it is done carefully.
C.) Some of my friends who are in their last years are expected to write thesis about their department. One of them was about two writers and their works in English literature. It was easy for me to find the suitable word because in my department I know about the literature but when one of my friend wanted me to translate some mathematical theories and subjects, I had difficulty in some sentences and structures. The word choice was the hardest part.
I remember that in airport all of us could not find the correct word for cop in Turkish. There were many alternatives: trash, bin, garbage, dust bin..
One more thing, while giving the recipe for ‘karniyarik’and ‘tavuk gogsu’ for our friend we had difficulty in translating to English.
All my experiences taught me that it is better to be in natural environment. Knowing the culture of that language we are involved is the keyword for being an expert in using correct word or sentence structure.
D.) The contributions of the translation activities to my linguistic and communicative competence in English are invaluable because owing to my experiences I learned lots of practical use of language. Also, I tried to use some original and natural sentence structure in my courses. For example, in my ‘TV in American Culture’ course I had group friend. He always helped me to write something. One day he sent me an e mail there was word that I did not know: ‘ give a shot’. I said what is he talking about? : ) then I write and I understood that he wanted to encourage me and said ‘try it’… Therefore, I can say that it is beneficial to make translation and taste its flavor. Not this term but in other terms I was much more comfortable, so I always tried myself in translating newspaper into English. I think it is good way to learn much more thing about my cultural words. After I finished it, I was reading it aloud and trying to find what was weird or sound bad and changed it. I have been writing new words that I learn from the translation and I think it is good way to remember. The new words become catchy when I see them again.
E.) Actually, I find translation courses are comparatively useful because the techniques and practical way of thinking in different ways is better to convey information. In Turkey, I think the most of the students are using online translation for their courses or thesis but they are not good at translating Turkish to English as much as English to Turkish. In fact, their work is not so successful as they think. It requires hard work and attention. As most of the students do not trust their translation they either want from their friends or they prefer using online translation which are sometimes ‘making chicken translation’. It is better to learn translation with the theory and being aware of its importance in language.


SELMA GENC